In Bleach as Gilgamesh

Chapter 63 - Offending the King's Authority, Punishment!

Shin'ō Academy.

Byakuya led Rukia to an empty Hakuda classroom.

All the way, Rukia wondered why Byakuya specifically sought her out.

While she indeed had talent, she didn't believe her talent warranted Byakuya's personal attention.

As for her looks, that was even more unlikely.

Rukia was self-aware enough to know that, as the head of the Kuchiki Clan, Byakuya could have any beautiful woman by his side. There was no way he would take an interest in her.

Years of malnutrition had left Rukia's body thin and frail. She looks like twelve years old human, she had not yet developed fully, and thus wasn't at an age to be judged for her looks.

So, when Byakuya stopped and turned to look at her, Rukia couldn't help but ask, "Why are you looking for me, Captain Kuchiki?"

Byakuya's expression was cold and aloof as he replied, "I'm here to have you meet Hisana."

Rukia furrowed her brow in confusion and asked, "Who is Hisana? Why should I meet her?"

Byakuya explained, "Hisana is my wife and your sister. She has been searching for you all these years."

Rukia's brow remained furrowed. She didn't believe Byakuya's words.

Byakuya was the head of the Kuchiki Clan, one of the Four Great Noble Houses. His wife had to be a noblewoman of equal standing.

If this Hisana truly was her sister, that would make her a noble as well.

How then, did she end up living in the 78th district of South Rukongai, Inuzuri?

One of Byakuya's retainers looked surprised at Rukia's reaction.

If it were anyone else, hearing Byakuya's words, they would be ecstatic.

Regardless of the truth, the opportunity to connect with the Kuchiki Clan would be seen as a chance to elevate from a commoner to nobility.

But Rukia remained calm and even displayed skepticism, which was unexpected.

Byakuya's expression remained cold, revealing nothing of his inner thoughts.

He knew the story from Hisana.

Years ago, Hisana and her younger sister Rukia were sent to the harsh 78th district of South Rukongai, Inuzuri.

Unable to care for an infant Rukia in such a harsh environment, Hisana eventually abandoned her to survive.

Byakuya didn't judge this action because it happened so long ago.

In his view, an infant could not survive in a place like Inuzuri, so there was no point in judging right or wrong.

Hisana had been filled with regret for abandoning Rukia and never stopped searching for her.

Her guilt and remorse, combined with her frail health, had worsened her condition.

Seeing Hisana's declining health, Byakuya had tried many methods and even advised her to give up the search, but failed.

He didn't expect things to take a turn.

The sister he thought had died had survived and even entered Shin'ō Academy.

This made Byakuya determined to bring Rukia back to the Kuchiki Clan for Hisana's sake.

However, before doing so, he needed Rukia to forgive Hisana.

If she didn't, bringing her back would only distress Hisana.

Byakuya took out a delicate photo locket from his robe, opened it, and handed it to Rukia, saying, "This is a picture of Hisana."

Rukia, still skeptical, took the locket and looked at it.

Seeing the photo, Rukia was stunned.

In the photo was a woman who resembled her greatly, looking gentle, introverted, and elegant.

Seeing Hisana's serene smile in the photo, Rukia's heart wavered. She couldn't help but murmur, "Could it be true? Do I really have a sister?"

After calming her emotions, Rukia looked at Byakuya and asked, "If she is my sister, why did I grow up in Inuzuri?"

Byakuya fell silent.

He faced two choices.

The first was to tell Rukia the truth about what happened.

But doing so might make it difficult for Rukia to accept and forgive Hisana.

The second was to fabricate a lie.

If he could deceive Rukia, it would be easier for her to accept and forgive Hisana.

Byakuya leaned towards the second option internally.

But as the head of the Kuchiki Clan, he was ashamed to lie.

Rukia was puzzled by Byakuya's hesitation, not understanding why it was so difficult to answer.

"If it's so hard for you to answer, then let me tell you what happened back then."

Just then, Gilgamesh's voice came through.

Rukia looked over joyfully to see Gilgamesh, holding Yoruichi, approaching with Renji following.

Without hesitation, Rukia ran towards Gilgamesh.

Byakuya frowned slightly seeing Gilgamesh arrive.

He hadn't expected Gilgamesh to come, and what did he mean by knowing what happened back then? How could that be possible?

Byakuya dismissed the idea.

To him, Gilgamesh was just trying to keep Rukia from leaving by causing trouble.

This was understandable, given Rukia's exceptional talent.

In truth, Byakuya had intended to form a good relationship with Gilgamesh.

Given Gilgamesh's talent, he had planned to privately communicate with Rukia, compensating Gilgamesh after taking her.

But things were not going as planned.

Given Rukia's attitude towards Gilgamesh, any interference from him would complicate things between Rukia and Hisana.

Between Hisana and Gilgamesh, Byakuya would undoubtedly choose Hisana.

Thus, Byakuya would not allow Gilgamesh to interfere, even if it meant making an enemy.

Without a word, Byakuya signaled with his eyes.

One of the retainers immediately understood.

One stepped in front of Rukia, blocking her.

The other two used Shunpo to rush towards Gilgamesh and Renji, intending to take them away.

Seeing this, Gilgamesh chuckled, "So this is how nobles act? Truly domineering."

"But attacking me has serious consequences."

As he spoke, a golden ripple appeared before Gilgamesh.

Then, Kennō emerged.

Gilgamesh drew the sword, exuding a commanding aura, and declared, "Offend the king's authority, and the punishment is self-inflicted!"

In an instant, the two retainers rushing towards them screamed in agony.

Byakuya could no longer remain calm, his pupils involuntarily trembling.

He saw that at Gilgamesh's command, the retainers' Zanpakutōs had turned on their owners.

But that wasn't the most important part. The key was the Zanpakutō in Gilgamesh's hand.

Byakuya was certain it was a Zanpakutō, yet it had only been two days since the new students received their Asauchi.

In just two days, Gilgamesh had nurtured and evolved his Asauchi into a Zanpakutō!?

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